Wildfire Mitigation Strategies for Power Lines

This technical report outlines the challenges electric utilities face regarding wildfires, particularly those ignited by power lines. It emphasizes the importance of designing power lines to prevent ignition rather than focusing solely on wildfire survival. The report details various ignition sources, including tree contact during high winds and mylar balloons, which have caused significant outages and fires. It discusses the effectiveness of different power line designs, such as bare wire lines, undergrounding, and covered conductor systems, in mitigating wildfire risks. The report highlights the advantages of using spacer cable and tree wire systems, noting their reduced ignition potential compared to bare wire. Additionally, it mentions the impact of legislation aimed at reducing mylar balloon-related incidents. The report concludes by considering the operational implications of using covered conductors during wildfire seasons, including their potential to influence Public Safety Power Shutoff strategies.